An NFL spokesman has announced that Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger will be suspended for the first six games of the 2010 season and must undergo comprehensive behavorial evaluation. However, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell will review Roethlisberger's progress prior to the season and will consider reducing the suspension to four games. "Failure [to] cooperate [could] lead to longer suspension," tweeted NFL spokesman Greg Aiello. Roethlisberger will not be prosecuted in connection with a sexual assault complaint filed against him in Georgia last month by a 20-year-old college student. However, Goodell recently intimated Roethlisberger should anticipate a suspension, telling reporters he violated the league’s personal-conduct policy with his “pattern of behavior” and “bad judgments.” In related news, ESPN is reporting that the Steelers have begun contacting teams about dealing Roethlisberger for a top-10 pick in this...

Red Sox manager Terry Francona joined the Dale & Holley show Wednesday to talk about the team's slow start, pinch-hitting for David Ortiz and the team's problem with opposing base stealers. Asked about possible lineup changes, such as moving Victor Martinez from catcher to designated hitter and sitting David Ortiz, Francona said it's too early to press the panic button.

"The way we set our team up in the winter, I don't think we can just bail on our strategy a couple of weeks into the season," he said. "I know it's been a tough week. It's been a tough week all the way around. Not much has gone right. Now, [Jason] Varitek will catch tonight. But that doesn't mean that we're going to rework our whole situation. One move affects another. Rather than bail on our plans, I think we've got to work our way through it. As a staff, [coaches] on the field, we're trying to do a little bit better job of getting guys ready to...

Red Sox manager Terry Francona, in his weekly visit on the Dale & Holley Show, said that Jason Varitek will be the starting catcher for Josh Beckett on Wednesday. That will mark three straight Beckett starts in which Varitek has been behind the plate. Beckett has a 3.74 ERA in 107 games working with Varitek, and a 7.71 ERA (albeit in just four games) with Martinez behind the plate.

Varitek entered Tuesday's game as a defensive replacement for Victor Martinez, who was lifted for a pinch-runner. He contributed a double and a walk, and is now hitting .429 with three homers, two doubles and a 1.681 OPS in 15 plate appearances.

Francona also said that Darnell McDonald will likely get the start in center field against Rangers left-hander Matt Harrison, and Mike Lowell will serve as the designated hitter.

One day after Marc Savard passed a neuro-psych evaluation and was cleared to practice with the Bruins, coach Claude Julien addressed the media Wednesday morning and tempered any enthusiasm about the center returning for the Sabres series.

"I don't really have the answers on how far away," Julien said. "He has been out for six weeks. He hasn't been able to exercise or do anything. When you bring a guy back in the playoffs you have to make sure, for his sake number one, that he's ready to jump in, and he has got to be in shape to keep up with that pace. The other part is that passing that test that he can start skating and doing different things but he still has to go through different kinds of tests. He hasn't taken any contact yet. You know, for me to stand here and predict that he will be back at this stage would be unrealistic."

Flannery joins Mut to break down the Isaiah Thomas trade to Boston and what it means for the Celtics this season and in the future. Paul also chats with Mut about the other deals that happened at the NBA's trading deadline

In the second of Sunday Skate, DJ and Joe discuss the approaching NHL trade deadline and what the B's will do. They get into the Boychuk move at the beginning of the season and Boychuk's brother venting on Twitter this morning about complaining B's fans. There is more discussion on the 3rd and 4th lines, their playoff chances and then they are joined by ESPN's Scott Burnside.

Another edition of Sunday Skate is upon us and DJ and Joe get into the B's big win over Arizona last night and the improvement of Ryan Spooner. They get into the Blackhawks giving up a 1st round pick for C Antoine Vermette - someone the B's could certainly use but weren't willing to give up the steep price of a 1st rounder. DJ and Joe also get into Claude's willingness to switch up lines as well as the performance of the 3rd and 4th lines. Finally, NHL commissioner Gary Bettman sits down with the boys.

Boston University coach David Quinn joins WEEI’s Scott McLaughlin to discuss the Terriers’ Beanpot title and how he feels about his team as the postseason approaches. Quinn also discusses reports about NHL interest in goalie Matt O’Connor and briefly touches on a recent misstep by Jack Eichel.

With free agency looming, Adam Schefter, on Sportscenter, said that he thinks Darrelle Revis will NOT be re-signed by the Patriots and that they will cut him instead, making him the most coveted free agent on the market.